Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Greetings. We have had a Cyclura nubila/lewisii hybrid for three years. We got him from David Blair. He is just over three feet. He some how broke the very tip of his tail. Just like under the last inch or so. Not sure how he did it, but he is a complex guy. We are no too worried but it is slightly broken and we are wondering if you would cut it or just let it fall off. We have seen tails in other lizards get deformed this way. We decided to treat it with Betadine. What would you do?

Many thanks

Hi, this exact thing happened to my caymanensis the first summer he was here (2003). It was hanging at an angle probably 85-90% cut all the way thru. After trying to splint it back together I finally decided to cut it all the way off with sharp scissors. I dont recommend this unless it is nearly all the way off. This was only thru skin I had to cut.

While I was doing this (more stressful to me than him) he ate a wasp that was in the screen. Talk about adding to my stress!

He was none the worse for wear and his tail never grew back which is just as well since it was only about an inch. I do wish I had taken pics.

Carole

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www.reptilecare.com

Oh and yes betadine is fine. I would dilute it a bit and see if you can soak it in there. Easier said than done probably. If you need to bandage it the only thing that I have found to work on lizards is "vet wrap". Your local feed store might have some or petsmart.

Carole

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www.reptilecare.com

Thanks. It has not gotten any worse and he seems to be happy as eaver.